Just upgraded our popup to a TT. We bought a 2013 Puma 31DBTS. No we've decided to sell our current TV (2010 Journey R/T) and go down to one car for the time being as we really don't need the two vehicles. (other car is a 2012 civic) The new TT will be used primarily at our local campground for the season. But, in the future IF we decide to purchase a TV should we go diesel or gas? IF we do decide to tow around from time to time it won't be far (200km radius) and maybe one weekend a month. The rest of the time the truck would be my daily driver. I know that the best MPG towing would be from the diesel but what about as a daily driver? New PU's are boasting 34-36MPG for gas models. Also should I go F150/Ram1500/GM1500 or the larger brothers of the half tonne?

For the little bit of towing and short distances you will be driving don’t bother with a diesel, you don’t really need it. I would go with a F250/Ram 2500/GM2500 for a tow vehicle. My opinion of course.

The new 1500 RAM diesel may fit your needs well. High MPG, double the torque of the gas motors, and still a 1/2 ton everyday driver.

It may be a good choice but double the torque? Have you checked the Ecoboost v6 420ft lbs of torque which is exactly the same as the baby diesel and you can get a properly equiped EB F150 that can tow over 11k and has over 2000lb payload. For a DD I would still take a gasser IMO.

We just traded our 2011 Ford F-250 6.2L gssser for a 2013 6.7L diesel. Last year we got a heaver 5th wheel and needed the power of a diesel to tow the new trailer. with that experience to fall back on, in your situation, I would stick with gas. The increased millage of the diesel is far off set by the higher initial cost, high cost of fuel, the cost of exhaust fluid, and the higher overall maintenance costs. Take a look at the Ford 6.2L gasser. We were very happy with it, but the new trailer was just too heavy.

Not sure where you are reading that gassers are getting 34-36, but that's nowhere near correct. Low 20's at best with gas engines. You need to get the F150 with MaxTow and Ecoboost engine. You could probably get by without the MaxTow as long as you aren't traveling far and load the bed of the pickup VERY lightly(if you want to stay within specs, anyway.) That camper will be at a minimum tongue weight of 1K and will likely weigh around 9000 or better fully loaded to camp. You can probably get into this truck with XLT trim in 2 wheel drive for low to mid 30's. A Toyota with 5.7 or Dodge with the Hemi would be next in line IMHO. If you opt for either of these two, get the lowest rear gears(highest numerically) you can as the naturally aspirated V8 engines will need to pull a higher RPM to produce peak power. I think I would stay away from the GM line unless you plan to go with the Duramax diesel. The baby V8 is a no-no for what you are towing, and the 5.3 will struggle with it- I don't think it is rated to tow anywhere near what you are looking at. Which means for a gas motor you'd have to go with the 6.0 in a GM. You WILL NOT like feeding this thing. Low teens for combined mileage is common, especially in the 3/4 tons. JMHO.

I would go with a gas. As you can see in my signature, I have the 6.2L gas in my 2012 F250. I went from a diesel to the gas because I pull only normally once a month and generally within 150 miles from home. I just couldn't justify the initial cost of the diesel. I currently pull my Crusader 5th wheel that weighs in at 11,300 and it does very well. That coming from someone that switched from a diesel.